Top Oral Hygiene tips for that Spring or Summer Wedding

Are you getting married or attending a spring or summer wedding? By looking after your oral hygiene those pearls are more likely to sparkle like jewels and will make you feel confident when posing for those pictures and video’s on the day.

As part of National Smile Month the British Dental Association are educating the British public on the importance of Oral Hygiene.

Research has shown that on average people brush their teeth for 45 seconds. Hardly enough to give your teeth the thorough cleaning they need as it is recommended that you should take up to two minutes, twice a day to keep those jewels shining.

Here are five top oral hygiene tips for that Spring or summer wedding that will keep your mouth looking and feeling fresh on the big day:

Go on a white-teeth diet

Colour in foods and beverages come from chromogens, or intensely pigmented molecules that easily adhere to dental enamel. Also, a group of food compounds know as tannins (found in coffee, tea, red wine, pommegranite, citrus fruits, smoked foods and legumes to name a few)increase staining potential by boosting the chromogens ability to stick to enamel.You might want to stay clear of these and replace them with healthier options or cut out the amount you consume. If a food or beverage can leave permanent stains on clothes or carpets, it can probably taint your teeth.

Use alcohol free mouthwash

Make sure that you use a mouthwash that is alcohol-free, as alcohol is an irritant and can dry out the mouth. The benefits of a mouthwash are that they can reach areas that brushing doesn’t reach. Experts recommend that you rinse twice a day – once in the morning and at night before you go to bed and always after brushing.

Floss regularly

Floss before you brush to remove any plaque from these areas. Roughly 90% of problems arise from areas between the teeth so it is important to floss effectively.

Change your toothbrush every 3 months

Did you know you should change your toothbrush every two to three months for good dental hygiene? If you aren’t currently doing so then bacteria will collect on the bristles and you will transfer them back into your mouth. The bristles will become soft and ineffective. For electric toothbrushes the same rule applies.

Clean your tongue

A major cause of bad breath can actually come from bacteria building up on your tongue with a high percentage of it accumulating at the back, making it hard to reach. Use a proper tongue scraper every morning to remove tongue plaque as this will help to freshen your breath. Using a tongue scraper is said to be more effective than brushing your tongue with a toothbrush.